
Afternoon tea is a quintessential classic lunchtime dish in English culture. A delectable treat exuding sophistication and facing increasing popularity, once a staple part of the traditional English person’s diet, it's now a fashionable three-tiered craze, consisting of cream-laden jam scones, delicate finger sandwiches, delicious cakes and tea served in vintage china cups.
'Yes, that's it!’' said the Hatter with a sigh, 'it's always tea-time'. – Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
The UK is bursting with the prettiest and quirkiest of tearooms - no matter how jam-packed your holiday calendar is, there is always space for tea and cake! We give you our top quirky tearooms in the UK in which to enjoy your scrumptious cream tea. And if you’d like to find somewhere equally as unique to stay nearby, just click the button below to browse our collection of quirky holiday cottages.
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The quirkiest tearooms in Cornwall
Dolly’s Tea Room and Wine Bar, Falmouth
Set in the delightful seaside town of Falmouth, this beautiful tearoom transforms into a delectable wine bar in the evening. The entrance of Dolly’s Tea Room consists of an understated turquoise door bedecked with a gold knocker, in between two white pillars. Don’t let the first impression fool you - a few stairs later and you will find yourself in a haven of vintage loveliness, complete with a retro record player, piano, reclaimed tables clad with clashing ditsy print tablecloths and a stack of glossy magazines for you to browse during your visit.
Regarded near and far as one of the most unique tea rooms in Cornwall, this Georgian haven has a relaxed atmosphere and boasts everything from exotic teas to cream teas and homemade cakes to tapas. Wine and cocktails are also served in themed teapots and poured into vintage cups with ice cubes in sugar bowls. When night-time comes around, some spectacular events and themed evenings are often hosted - past examples include a Moulin Rouge Cabaret Night and a Blitz Night, so be sure to take advantage of these when you are in the area!
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Discover more of the best places to dine, with our Cornwall food and drink guide.
The quirkiest tearooms in Devon
Tea on the Green, Westward Ho!
This quirky, shabby chic-style tearoom, situated in the sunny seaside town of Westward Ho!, is a must-visit when staying in the area. Styled on 50’s glamour with beautiful attention to detail, such as polka dot teapots and Elvis Presley placemats, you really do get that old-fashioned charm upon visiting Tea on the Green and it will leave you overflowing with nostalgia.
The food definitely does not disappoint, with all the childhood classics you would expect such as a three-layer Victoria sandwich or the traditional cream tea. They are all aptly named after famous movie stars - The Hepburn, The Grant, The Taylor - and along with their classic door-stop sandwich, a delicious treat is awaiting you whatever you choose off the menu! The décor is perfectly styled with shabby chic-style trinkets and accessories on every wall; the bathroom is even more intriguing with vintage posters, stamps and postcards spread throughout. No wonder it’s regarded as one of the top themed tearooms in Devon.
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Our Devon food and drink guide highlights some more incredible local eateries.
The quirkiest tearooms in the Cotswolds
The Mad Hatter's Tea Party credit: Instagram @batheatsThe Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Bath
The most unique experience is to be had at this perfectly themed Alice in Wonderland tearoom, located right in the centre of Bath. What better way to enjoy your favourite teatime treat than whilst being surrounded by huge teacups, teapots, clocks of all different shapes and sizes and vintage Alice-themed decor?
One of the best tearooms in the UK, the tables and chairs in The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party are beautifully designed to replicate playing cards and the high tea stands have a small card attached reading ‘eat me’ – the most recognised quote from Lewis Carroll’s classic. It will most certainly transport you back to your childhood. The food definitely isn’t lacking in quality either, serving up large homemade scones, a wide variety of lunches and other sweet treats you will leave pleasantly satisfied.
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Why not end your foodie day out with a drink in one of these top pubs in the Cotswolds?
The quirkiest tearooms in Wales
The Sugar Plum Tea Room, Rhewl
If you are seeking out a quirky eating venue, then The Sugar Plum Tea Room in Rhewl is a must-visit. It really is somewhere special, packed to the brim with cakes and colour – you can’t help but be enchanted by its retro-chic kitchen design. Vintage dressers have been brought back to life, adorned in bunting and old tins displaying flowers.
This charming little tearoom in Wales serves up all the traditional dishes you would expect to find in one as twee as this, from homemade scones smothered in cream and jam to an enormous ploughman’s sharing platter, and tasty Welsh rarebit. And their signature milkshakes, served in vintage milk bottles, are not to be missed! Everything is served up in huge quantities and is of great quality.
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There are some great food festivals in Wales that you could time your visit around!
The quirkiest tearooms in the Lake District
Low Sizergh Barn Café, Kendal
If you’re looking for quirky tea rooms in the Lake District, then you’re sure to be delighted by Low Sizergh Barn Café in Kendal. Set within one of Cumbria’s best-known farm shops on a vast working farm, you can tuck into a hearty breakfast, sip loose-leaf tea that’s blended to suit local water, or indulge in an exquisite afternoon tea created with fresh farm ingredients.
But what makes this one of the most unusual tearooms in the UK? Well, there’s not many that have an enormous gallery window that overlooks a milking shed. On any day of the week, mid-afternoon, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the cows being milked while enjoying a cream tea— how cool is that?
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If you’re still feeling peckish, why not dine out at some of the finest Lake District restaurants?
The quirkiest tearooms in Scotland
Where The Monkey Sleeps, Glasgow
An alternative visit is most definitely awaiting you at Where The Monkey Sleeps, located in the beautiful city of Glasgow. Set worlds apart from many of the quaint tearooms serving tea and scones on delicate china, at this rock/punk-styled café you will be delighted with a different but exciting experience. Plush maroon leather sofas and armchairs surround dark wood coffee tables, and the walls are splashed with images of iconic punk stars and imagery, classic cars and album covers, making for an extremely stylish and rustic interior.
The food certainly lives up to the hype, with a delicious array of lunches and treats, with a great balance between traditional dishes and the quirkier ones. Why not opt for an Oreo Speedwagon, Firewalker Panini or an Uncle Frank bagel? These intriguing names give you an insight into how the rest of the menu reads!
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Our Scotland food and drink guide is essential if you’re thinking of heading to this foodie mecca!
Enjoy a unique staycation in a quirky cottage
Did you know, we have a great collection of quirky cottages in the UK? From ancient towers to bright red fire engines, you’re sure to find somewhere special to retreat to after a cuppa and cake in one of these extraordinary tearooms. Click the button below to start exploring and indulge in a Great British food holiday.
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